On Friday August 8th Ron Kuramoto observed that the Meson Hall air amplifier cycle speed had increased.  Cycle time measurements were taken on Monday August 11th.  The lower amplifier was found to be cycling 17 times per minute, and the upper air amplifier 16 times per minute (approximately 4s cycle period).  The cycle period for both amplifiers was measured in June 2012 and found to be approximately 25s.  Note that a cycle is defined as the time between air exhaust events (this may actually only be 1/2 of a full cycle of the amplifier mechanism).  Both amplifiers were delivering air pressure approximately 134psi during the test.

The upper air amplifier was rebuilt in 2012 and has not been used since.  This test shows that the amplifiers are performing normally and that the increased cycle speed is due to a leak elsewhere in the system.  The location of the air leak will be investigated further on maintenance days or during the September mini shutdown.  The exhaust pipes of the amplifier assembly were warm to the touch due to the increased cycle speed, but not excessively so, and the current cycle speed is not thought to be of immediate concern.

The lower amplifier was left running and the exhaust pressure was turned down to 125psi to slightly reduce the cycle speed (it is not thought to be necessary to have air pressure above 120psi)